Premier League: Everton sign Theo Walcott

Everton have completed the signing of Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, the Toffees paid over 20 million pounds to the Gunners and the player signed a three-and-a-half year contract. Walcott is the second signing of the January window for Everton boss Sam Allardyce after the arrival of striker Cenk Tosun for 27 million pounds from Turkish side Besiktas. Theo Walcott has played at Arsenal for the past 12 years, scoring 108 goals in 397 appearances for the Gunners. However, this season he found himself outside of Arsene Wenger's preferred starting eleven. "There's something about this move I've just felt good about," Walcott said. "It felt like it was time for me to move on. It was sad but it's exciting at the same time and I want to reignite my career and push Everton to win things as they have done before. The manager is very hungry and it's just what I need. I've had a couple of chats with him and straightaway I felt that hunger and that desire that he wanted from me." Walcott's former club Southampton were also interested in his signature. Walcott also admitted that Everton captain Wayne Rooney did his best to persuade him to join the Toffees: "I had numerous chats with Wayne and that was one massive factor which really tempted me to come to Everton." Arsenal on the other hand issued a standard statement: "We all thank Theo for his contribution to the club and wish him well for the future." Manager Arsene Wenger said that he did not want Theo Walcott to leave the club but also admitted that he was unable to guarantee him first-team appearances. Walcott is eager to prove his worth to England manager Gareth Southgate ahead of next summer's World Cup, the forward has not played for England since November 2016. Everton are currently 9th in the Premier League table and they are 100/1 at SkyBet to finish inside the top six this season.